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Inverness church sees huge rise in audience figures for its streamed services due to coronavirus pandemic


By Val Sweeney

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Services at Smithton Church have been suspended but viewer figures have risen.
Services at Smithton Church have been suspended but viewer figures have risen.

An Inverness church has seen a massive rise in viewer figures for its streamed Sunday services due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Smithton Church, which has been streaming its services over the internet for more than two years, reaches about 100 homes on average.

But with the congregation now unable to attend in person, a combined total of about 1900 homes tuned in for last Sunday's morning and evening services conducted by minister Alasdair Macleod in the empty church.

Mr Macleod said the church had installed cameras and sound plus other infrastructure some time ago.

The broadcasts also include the words of hymns so people are able to join in the singing.

"We originally started as we knew a number of people who were unable to attend because of various health issues – not just older people, younger people too," he said.

"But we did not anticipate we would necessarily be using it the way it is needed today."

On average, about 400 people attend Sunday morning services but about 1150 homes watched online this week with about 750 homes watching the evening service.

Rev Alasdair Macleod, of Smithton Church.
Rev Alasdair Macleod, of Smithton Church.

Mr Macleod thought the figures included people who did not necessarily go to church.

"I think lots of people are questioning everything," he said. "Things which were once secure – whether it was income, health, school, sport – aren't secure any more.

"I think there is a real appetite and real questioning going on just now about what life is all about."

The church is putting together a Songs from Smithton playlist, featuring popular psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, which people will be able to access via Spotify as well as producing two brochures with coping strategies for physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing during the weeks of isolation.

In addition, Mr Macleod has issued a video message via the church's website while members of the congregation are doing their bit by offering help to people in their community such as making a friendly telephone call, or picking up shopping.

"Members of most congregations are doing exactly the same as well as people of no faith," he said. "There has been a real coming together of community spirit."

This Sunday's hour-long services will be broadcast at 11am and 5.30pm and can be viewed online at smithtonchurch.com.

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